GRAND RAPIDS -- Clement Chiwaya has brought a medical clinic, schools and fresh drinking water to his impoverished African homeland. But when it came time to thank his West Michigan supporters, he could not hold back the tears.
"Look at all of you great people, people that have touched my heart and helped me get closer to my God," the 2002 Aquinas College graduate told about 50 people at the campus chapel Wednesday night.
In a special Mass led by retired Bishop Robert Rose, Chiwaya paid emotional tribute to the people who helped him since he came to Grand Rapids 10 years ago with $500 and a dream to attend college.
Supported by crutches, the polio survivor said he is reminded of West Michigan whenever he helps the people of Malawi, where he is a member of Parliament and oversees ambitious development projects.
"I want to thank each and every one of you for being so kind to me, for being so kind to the people of Malawi," Chiwaya said.
The chapel crowd included many who have helped Chiwaya realize his dreams. Robert Woodrick, former president of D&W Food Centers, wrote the first check to help fund his Aquinas tuition.
"Not only is he an example for Africa, he's an example for all leaders," Woodrick said. "He has immense integrity."
Lori Knapp, of Rockford, president of the Warm Hearts Foundation, helped Chiwaya build two schools and drill 186 wells serving the 250,000 people in his district.
"I always knew, from the moment I met him, that he would do important things," Knapp said.
With funding from the Malawi Connection, a local nonprofit, Chiwaya has built a medical clinic, a skills training center and provided AIDS education. The married father of a 4-year-old daughter, Chiwaya, 37, also advocates for orphans and people with disabilities.
He now is looking for computers and wants to build a media resource center and two hostels for those using the training center. A nonprofit bank has shown interest in providing micro-loans for small businesses.
"We've had 10 wonderful, miraculous years, and we're going to go 10 more and beyond," said James Rademaker, president of the Malawi Connection.
Chiwaya returns to Malawi on Saturday, but made sure to give thanks before he left the place that gave his vision wings.
"Looking back at what we've achieved, I don't regret that decision I made to come over here," he said. "It is a miracle."
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